Photo: kim bailey
Photo: Jennifer Nolen
Photo: Stephen Ellis (Bourbon Traveler)
Auke Recreation Area
★4.7(110 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 2-3 hours including wildlife stops and photo opportunities👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The easy terrain and moderate 3-mile length make it manageable for elementary-aged kids who can handle longer walks, while the wildlife viewing and cultural elements keep tweens and teens engaged. Adventurous preschoolers in carriers or who are strong hikers can also enjoy portions of the trail.🧡 Saved by 80+ families
About
Auke Recreation Area offers families an accessible 3-mile rainforest adventure perfect for introducing kids to Alaska's stunning natural beauty. The well-maintained trail winds through lush temperate rainforest where you'll discover fascinating cultural sites and have excellent chances of spotting bald eagles, salmon runs, and other wildlife that will captivate young explorers.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in massive spruce trees
- ✓Walking through authentic temperate rainforest with moss-covered trees and ferns
- ✓Discovering cultural and historical sites along the trail
- ✓Watching salmon swim upstream during spawning season
- ✓Learning about Tlingit heritage and Alaska Native history at interpretive sites
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring binoculars for eagle watching,kids love spotting the nests in tall trees along the trail
- 2.Pack rain gear year-round; this is a rainforest and weather changes quickly in Southeast Alaska
- 3.Visit during salmon spawning season (July-September) for the best wildlife viewing and chances to see bears from a safe distance
- 4.Stop at the Auke Village Recreation Area parking lot where the trail begins,facilities are available here before you start
- 5.Download an Alaska tree and plant identification app beforehand to turn the hike into an educational scavenger hunt
Best Time to Visit
Early morning visits (7-9 AM) offer the best wildlife activity and fewer crowds, especially during summer tourist season. July through September provides peak wildlife viewing with salmon runs attracting eagles and bears, though spring and fall offer beautiful seasonal changes with fewer visitors.
What to Know
The recreation area is free to visit with ample parking at the trailhead. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained but can be muddy, so waterproof boots are essential. No food services on-site, so pack snacks and water for the journey.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer (June-August) offers the longest daylight hours and warmest weather. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice. Fall colors peak in September, while spring brings new growth and returning wildlife in April-May.
Nearby Eats
DeHart's Auke Bay Store (5 minutes away) offers deli sandwiches, snacks, and convenience items perfect for post-hike refueling. For a sit-down meal, head to The Hangar on the Wharf (15 minutes toward downtown Juneau) where kids can watch floatplanes take off while enjoying burgers and fish and chips.
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